I am glad you are addressing the topic of Traditional/Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage. There is a tremendous amount of advertising on TV for Medicare Advantage, but NO MENTION that for all the so-called "extras" one is restricted to their network. And one needs referrals to see specialists. But not all doctors are created equal as one learns with experience. I have original Medicare with a costly Medigap insurance, and it has proved well worth it over the years. I could search out an experienced specialist for my needs and simply go. Specialists have areas they focus in and that can be very important to know. And large networks of providers do not necessarily have a high level of expertise in specific areas nor offer all treatment options. For example, open chest surgery vs. Video Assisted Thoracic surgery. Big difference in recovery time!!!! Then there is Part D drug insurance. Use the Medicare on-line tool to compare plans. Look carefully. Insurance plans are not always transparent about costs. I got snookered last year and am paying at least $400 more this year than I should be, because I thought I was getting a plan similar to the one for the year before.

Jump to this post